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property overview

A former Franciscan monastery that has been turned into one of the world's most romantic hotels.

The 15th-century façade of this iconic Florence property can be attributed to the city's most famous Renaissance artist: Michelangelo. Positioned in the hillside town of Fiesole, just above the city, the villa has had many incarnations, including a Franciscan monastery, before being turned into a renowned boutique hotel. The gardens, with lemon trees and rose-scented air, immediately convey to guests that they have arrived someplace special. Each room and suite is unique, with sumptuous antiques and lovely views, along with cotto-tile flooring and bright Florentine textiles. Naturally, the property draws many honeymooners, though the Villa’s acclaimed cooking school attracts students and well-known chefs from around the world.
View Event Venues Information

Seasonal Hotel:Hotel closes from October 30, 2013 to April 3, 2014 and October 28, 2014 to April 1, 2015.

Why Leaders Club?

Awards & Accolades

January 2012Condé Nast Traveller93.90The Gold List - Best Hotels For Service

We Recommend

Best Neighborhood Walk

Fiesole

The still-operational Roman amphitheater of this pretty town, just 5 miles north of Florence, serves as the backdrop for summertime performances.

Best Cocktail with a View

Flo

A DJ spins into the wee hours at this nightclub, where fun-loving crowds often spill out onto the sleek, white banquettes that line the garden terrace. (39-055) 650-791; www.flofirenze.com.

Best Restaurant Classic

Gilli Café

Since 1733, this landmark café has been serving espresso and pastries. Its gilded Venetian interiors are lovely, but stick to the terrace to people-watch along Piazza della Republica. (39-055) 213-896; www.gilli.it.

Best Family Activity

Sail the Arno River

Gather the family into a gondola and glide beneath the Ponte Vecchio; grown-ups can sip a glass of Prosecco while the little ones soak up the history lesson of medieval Florence.

Top Architecture Find

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Arguably no trip to the region is complete without craning your neck to take in the famed bell tower, which began to tilt in 1178 due to its weak foundation. (39-050) 83-50-11.

Best Activity/Excursion

The Walls of Lucca

The Renaissance-era walls and amphitheater of this city—which once played an important role in the silk trade between Europe and Asia—fit neatly into the idyllic Tuscan countryside. (39-05) 83-91-991.

Reading Suggestion

"Under the Tuscan Sun," by Frances Mayes

The story of a woman falling in love with an Italian villa is a memoir, making it all the more romantic.

Top Day Trip

Vinci

The hometown of Leonardo is, not surprisingly, a mecca for art aficionados. Check out the small museum created in the honor of the Renaissance artist/scientist, as well as the farmhouse where he was born.